Batting

Fayetteville, N.C. -- University of Lynchburg's softball team opened the 2019 season in fine fashion Saturday with 11-0 and 9-1 drubbings of Methodist.

The Lynchburg pitching staff was dominant, allowing just six hits over the two games, and the offense did its job efficiently.

Junior second baseman Sarah Commons recorded just one out in her eight plate appearances Saturday, going 5-for-6 with five runs scored in the leadoff spot. She had a double and stole two bases.

Sophomore left fielder Kortney Leazer also went 5-for-6 at the dish with a double and four RBI on the day.

Senior first baseman Mackenzie Chitwood (Ferrum, Va.) slugged a pair of doubles and drove in four runs, and senior third baseman Taylor Mabry (Bassett, Va.) drove in three runs and scored three more on her 3-for-5 day at the plate.

THE RUNDOWN

Game 1 Final: Lynchburg 11, Methodist 0 (5 inn.)

Game 2 Final: Lynchburg 9, Methodist 1 (5 inn.)

Records: Lynchburg 2-0, Methodist 0-2

Venue: Don Price Field, Methodist University, Fayetteville, N.C.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Game 1

Lynchburg assumed an early lead with three runs in the first on Mabry's RBI fielder's choice, senior catcher Brittany Coffey's (Manassas, Va.) sacrifice fly, and Leazer's run-scoring single.

The Hornets exploded for eight runs in the fourth, the big blow a bases-loaded single off Chitwood's bat that brought all three baserunners around.

Senior pitcher Taylor Belknap (Arden, N.C.) earned the win with four shutout innings in the circle, striking out six.

Game 2

The Hornets got the offense out of the way early in the nightcap with a four-run first inning. Chitwood, Mabry, Leazer, and sophomore center fielder Haylee Wood (Goode, Va.) drove in a run apiece.

After Methodist scored in the bottom of the first, Lynchburg responded with five in the top of the second. Sophomore right fielder Jordyne Vance (Lynchburg, Va.) put a cap on the scoring with a two-RBI single.

LOOKING AHEAD

Lynchburg will take next weekend off before heading to Cary, N.C. for the Grand Slam Triangle Classic Feb. 23-24. The Hornets will take on Olivet, Rowan, Emory U., and Greensboro in their four tournament games.